Hearts supporters stump up costs of overnight highlands stay

The cash-stricken Jambos were forced to travel north to the highlands on the morning of last season's meeting with the Staggies but this time, the Hearts faithful have stumped up the hotel fees for a Friday night stay so the players can prepare the best they can for the Scottish Premier League fixture.

"We're delighted that the Hearts Fighting Fund has rallied round and they have paid for our trip up," said manager Gary Locke.

"It is a fantastic gesture and yet again everyone is doing their utmost for the club.

"Myself, the players and the backroom staff are certainly very appreciative that they have paid for us to go up."

Locke added: "We have lost the last two games so it is important that we start to pick up points from somewhere.

"Looking at the next five or six fixtures, we really have to start picking up points to give ourselves any chance."